Best way to See a New Place

I think its official that the only way, the best way to actually see a new place, and I mean all the alleyways, the back streets, the early risers, and the working people is to take a huge run. I started running again here in Istanbul and am really enjoying every minute of it.

There are hills and flats every terrain imaginable right here in my area so why pay to use the gym? I try my hardest to change the pace with each new song as well as always go a different direction. My core sense of direction has gotten good enough that I am not longer afraid of getting lost. I have been running for 40 -60 minutes almost everyday and each day I get to see something new.

My first run I mentioned I went out along the Bosphorus straight which is still my favorite. The next couple runs I took in the opposite direction up the hill toward the two malls that are near us. Some hills are awful and others very nice, I have been searching for some running races here in Istanbul but I think running is a new trend here. Today I went about 6kilometers down the Bosphorus straight and stopped at a small cafe that let me take some photos of the Fahit Sultan Mahemt bridge. It was the perfect view. I thanked them and went on my way. As I head toward (as well as back from) the Bosphorus I always pass the fisherman's market. They have gotten used to seeing me and some of them wave, they are there everyday about a dozen or so vendors. I try to stay away from the busy roads which only allows me to take the cobblestone narrow streets between the shops and houses. I am most afraid of getting someones wash water thrown on top of my head or tripping over a loose cobblestone and falling on my face so I don't spend too much time in those areas.

Today was one of the nicest days for running a perfect weather with light wind and sunny skys!